Ricky Burns and Kevin Mitchell prepare for a battle to define the best in Britain

THE build-up to one of British boxing’s most anticipated fights in years began today with Ricky Burns and Kevin Mitchell pushing aside their friendship for world title glory.

The bout in Glasgow on September 22 will pit the two best lightweights in the country against each other with Burns’ WBO title at stake.

And while both are open about their friendship, that closeness will be forgotten as the clash nears.
“For me it’s about testing myself against the best and proving how good I am,” said Burns. “Mitchell’s the next best in Britain and I’m sure he’s going to give me the hardest fight of my career and that’s what I’m preparing for – a real battle.”

The Dagenham fighter, who lost his first world title tilt to Michael Katsidis before later watching on as former victim John Murray was given the opportunity to fight for the crown against Brandon Rios, realises this is the ultimate opportunity to fulfil a career rich in promise.

“Ricky’s a great person, a lovely guy and I consider him a mate of mine,” said Mitchell.

“Once we’re in that ring and the bell goes, though, it’s going to be brutal. Ricky knows what he’s got in front of him and I’m going to be hitting him harder and faster than he’s ever been hit before.”